This is an introduction to the wild places of Lanark County. Why do they matter? Where are they? And what do we need to do to protect them? Along the way we meet some wild species including Showy Lady’s-slippers, Giant Swallowtails, Spring Peepers, Five-lined Skinks, Cerulean Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers, Blanding’s Turtles, Fishers and Moose.
Most of our most important natural areas have already been studied by teams of biologists, who have written reports on their significance and mapped them. These natural areas are called “Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest” and “Provincially Significant Wetlands”. It is time to ensure that our townships and county have natural heritage plans that protect all these special places.
The talk was hosted by MERA, a Lanark County cultural organization, on 1 April 2021. It is 52 minutes long. The discussion is not included. The main topics of discussion were the steps that can be taken to ensure that the townships and county prepare natural heritage plans, and how to engage with the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust to protect more wild places. We also discussed some fine places to go canoeing in the spring, and how to find salamanders. Many thanks to Helen Mogford for hosting and recording this Zoom event.
Here are some links mentioned during the talk:
The 30 Green Gems of Lanark County
Pauls book, A Guide to the Natural Environment of Lanark County
Paul’s web page, the natural environment of Lanark County
Paul’s talk on Wetlands of Lanark County and the Mississippi River Watershed
Paul Keddy, Ph.D. 